This video helps me a lot. I have been planning this loop for a hike on the weekend of Oct. 21 but really wasn't sure where I could camp. I was considering the Crest trail before and you helped me decide that I really should do this trail.
Awesome video. Very informative. Exactly what I was searching for. Have completed the Three Ridges loop, Priest Mountain, and Spy Rock areas. Grayson Highlands and Dolly Sods are next.
Thank you, I plan On hitting this trail and was undecided on how to approach the distance and where to camp. You have definitely assisted me in what are my options.
Many Thanks for this video! My wife and I are going up this weekend and we were looking to tent camp near Thomas Knob Shelter, I could not tell in video but did you say the good tent camping areas were on AT or on the Crest Trail near the Thomas Knob location?
I don’t have as much intel on tent camping but most of what I see is between Thomas Knob and Rhododendron Gap. Lots of spots between the AT and the Crest trail in that area.
Headed there next week. Can you recommend a smaller dayhike for me and my son? Maybe around 10 miles possibly. We want to be able to see a lot and some ponies
Marc Grossetti Wilburn Ridge, Crest trail, and come back Scales trail. Scales is rocky though so another option would be to come back via the AT but that is longer. Or just do an out and back. I typically check trail miles by sketching out my route on a website like Hillmap or Caltopo.
Correction: Camping is prohibited around Wise Shelter as it is still within the State Park. You can either bunk IN the shelter, or move further down the trail where there are a lot of good tent and hammock sites.
If you do a quick Google search, you’ll see this referenced in quite a few places. If you reserve a spot at the backpackers parking lot, you will receive an email that has information about the prohibitions of Camping at Wise shelter, the park attendant will tell you the same if you check in, and you will also see it on some printed materials within the park.
@@Truth-Seeker75 yea I had done the quick Google search before and didn’t see anything. I have an older backpacker lot permit and it wasn’t on there and I can’t find it on the parks website. Also checked ReserveAmerica notes and nothing there. I don’t want this to come across I don’t believe you - just looking for a link I can include in the video description on the topic. Don’t expect you to hunt for one on my behalf. Guess I’ll leave it that folks can call the park if they want to confirm this.
@@SoutheastBackpacker If you’ve been there, you know there is a sign-in box at the backpackers parking lot. There is literature in the box that says overnight camping at Wise is prohibited. Also, if you’ve been to the shelter, you’d have seen the permanent metal sign in cement posted between the shelter and the bridge leading outside park property that says the same thing. It is posted all over the place. Bottom line, if someone wants to camp near Wise, just have them walk 50 yards over the bridge and outside the park property. Cross up over the hill next to the AT and there are several spots for tents and hammocks.
+2 Hoosier Hikers Enjoy your upcoming trip. It is wonderful. I don't have the data in front of me. I'd recommend the Hillmap.com site here you can trace out a route and check distances. Other tools can do it as well.
Really enjoying your videos. I've watched a few of the Grayson Highlands loops you have done. I am planning a trip there soon and was wondering if you had any recommendations for a 20+ mile loop. I was thinking of completing this one www.midatlantichikes.com/mountrogersbp.htm . Any input or suggestions? I would preferably like to start at the Grayson Backpackers parking lot since that will give me the shortest drive. Thanks!
Bishop 8624 I suppose it varies depending on your condition but I don't think it is bad. Since the mileage is t bad, you can take you time and recover if needed.
Dan l The trail junction to the summit is near Thomas Knob, which I point to around 5:17 mark. Never been myself since it is in the trees and has no views (except of the trees).
